Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement regarding the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas:
“I’m heartbroken over the loss of my mentor, cherished friend, and dear colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. On behalf of myself, the Clarke Family, and the people of the 9th District of NY, I extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to her loved ones.
- Advertisement -
“Sheila devoted her life to the people of Houston, TX, and was a fierce advocate and legislator who always rose for the causes and communities close to her heart. She was a mentor to me, as she was to many others, and a visionary who was relentless in her pursuit of justice. Congresswoman Jackson Lee would call out and correct any and all injustices that she perceived. No matter the subject of debate, there she stood, in the gap, making certain that her district, and by extension, all of us would benefit. Truly, she worked with a transformative and singular focus on legislating policy that achieved essential progress for the oppressed.
“The granddaughter of Jamaican immigrants, Sheila Jackson Lee was raised in Queens, NY. Through our common background and the ideals we shared, she and I were connected on so many levels. I will miss my sister colleague dearly. And I pray that the gentlelady from Houston will rest in power and rest in peace.”
